Providence Local News

New Medicaid sign-ups eclipse projections

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — New Medicaid enrollments in RhodeIsland have eclipsed projections during the early months of the state's implementation of the federal health care overhaul, and already number well over what was expected into next year.

Health officials on Thursday reported 64,590 Medicaid enrollments from Oct. 1 through March 31. The health and human services secretary had estimated 55,000 through June of next year.

HealthSource RI, the state's online insurance marketplace, also released more detailed data on the 27,961 who signed up for private plans during the first open enrollment. One-third were 34 or younger; 27 percent were 55 or older.

The overwhelming majority chose a Blue Cross & Blue Shield plan. Eighty-eight percent are receiving some kind of subsidy for the coverage.